Forest stewardship for climate, nature, communities

Job Title: Research Associate (or Post-Doctoral Fellow)
Job Type: Full-time Contract
Salary: $60,000 - $80,000 (based on years of experience and skillset)
Organization: Forest Futures Canada
Location: Remote Canada (preferably in Ottawa, Ontario)
Also hiring: Senior Research Associate

We’re hiring smart policy thinkers to build a greener, stronger forest economy.

About Us

Forest Futures Canada is a new national environment-economy initiative at the University of Ottawa, directed by Dr. Stewart Elgie, and in partnership with Smart Prosperity Institute. Our mission is to build a next generation approach to forest conservation and management - one that advances climate and biodiversity goals, strengthens the forest sector, builds fire resilience, and supports sustainable Indigenous and forest-based communities.

We combine world-class research and powerful partnerships with NGOs, industry, government and Indigenous leaders across Canada. Our work focuses on:

• Smart policies, incentives and finance tools, to grow investment in forest conservation and sustainability
• Innovative approaches to forest conservation, management and governance

We generate smart solutions for a stronger, greener, better forest future, for all Canadians.

Role Overview

Working with the research team and in collaboration with a network of experts and scholars, you will conduct policy-relevant research and outreach on priority issues, such as carbon and biodiversity offsets, policies (forestry, conservation, climate), economic instruments, natural capital accounting, conservation finance, etc.

This position offers an opportunity to do applied, interdisciplinary research that informs innovative environmental policies and practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Design and conduct policy-relevant research, independently and in teams.
• Contribute to all stages of research (design, data, analysis, writing, dissemination).
• Produce research papers, policy reports and other knowledge products for broader audiences.
• Help supervise and mentor graduate students.
• Communicate research findings, and policy and practice implications, to decision-makers and diverse audiences.

What You Bring

The ideal candidate will have:

• A passion to sustain Canada’s forests, biodiversity and communities.
• A Master’s or Ph.D. in a relevant field (policy, economics, law, environment /resource studies).
• Excellent research skills, ideally quantitative and qualitative.
• Ability to work in inter-disciplinary teams, and with expert practitioners.
• Good writing and communication skills, for academic and general audiences.
• Interest and ability to do research that informs new policies and practices.

Assets (not essential)

• Experience as a research associate or similar role.
• Expertise relevant to Forest Futures’ priority issues (see above).
• Bilingualism (English/French).

What We Offer

• Flexible hybrid work model that supports well-being and productivity.
• Meaningful, mission-driven work to build a greener, stronger forest economy.
• Competitive salary range of $60,000 - $80,000, based on skills and experience.
• Comprehensive University of Ottawa benefits package.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter and C.V. online (preferred method), OR by email to bcecato@smartprosperity.ca , with the subject line “Positions – Research Associate”. Applications will be reviewed starting December 15, 2025, and accepted until the position is filled.

Persons from Indigenous or other equity-deserving groups, as well as individuals with disabilities, are strongly encouraged to apply. If you require an accommodation for any aspects of the recruitment and selection process, please contact Emma.macgillivray@humanihr.com

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